Conservation and urban design

Conservation is a very important aspect of planning policy in Hackney. In line with our aspirations for a high quality environment for a sustainable community, we strive to preserve the historic built fabric and encourage good contemporary design.

Conservation

Check if your property is listed or in a conservation area

To find out if your property is listed or in a conservation area, check local planning information.

Conservation areas

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest whose character or appearance we want to preserve or enhance. It is the area as a whole rather than the specific buildings that is of special interest.

The Central & South Hackney Conservation Area Advisory Committee is looking for new members to join their monthly meetings. If you’re interested in conservation issues affecting the central and southern parts of the borough, including Mare Street, Victoria Park, Graham Road and Mapledene and Hackney Road, and you’d like to have your say on planning applications and policies in these areas, please contact Mike Hood at centralandsouthhackneycaac@gmail.com.

Listed buildings

There are around 1,300 listed buildings in Hackney. It is a criminal offence to undertake, or cause to be undertaken, works to a listed building without permission. If a building is deemed to be at risk, we will attempt to work with the owner and other agencies to protect the its future.

Locally listed buildings

Local listing is a way for the Council to identify local heritage assets which contribute to the character and distinctiveness of Hackney. The conservation of their heritage significance is a material consideration in planning applications. There are currently 470 locally listed buildings in Hackney.

Registered parks, gardens and London squares

There are 3 historic parks in Hackney on Historic England’s register of parks and gardens of special historic interest. Hackney has a large number of formal and informal green spaces in the form of squares and other planted areas. Registered parks, gardens and London squares.

Tree management and tree preservation orders

Trees are protected if they are in a conservation area, or if they are the subject of a tree preservation order (TPO). This prevents cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or destruction of trees and roots without our permission.

Urban design

Hackney design awards

The biennial design awards celebrate great design in Hackney.

Hackney design review panel

The design review panel offers the Council and applicants, independent design and architecture advice on: development proposals that may significantly affect the urban design of Hackney, major or strategic scheme planning applications, council frameworks and initiatives with urban design implications and significant and strategic issues and policies.